“Anyone involved in producing or selling this should be ashamed,” he said

An SDLP councillor has hit out after a badge depicting the controversial Moygashel Bonfire with effigies of asylum seekers in a boat on top of flames has gone on sale.

Last year, the bonfire made headlines globally after a boat with a number of mannequins wearing life jackets was placed at the top and set alight, in an apparent reference to refugees who cross the English Channel from France to reach the UK.

It also featured banners reading “stop the boats”, “veterans before refugees”, and “stop illegal immigration”.

Cllr Malachy Quinn said: “I’ve been made aware of this badge, and let’s be absolutely clear: this is hate being packaged and sold for profit.

“There is nothing cultural, nothing defensible, and nothing acceptable about it. It is deliberately divisive, inflammatory, and designed to target vulnerable people.

“Anyone involved in producing or selling this should be ashamed. Our community is better than this. Call it out. Report it. Refuse to fund it.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The Friday letters page discusses the inherent problems with previewing video games, as one reader salutes the release of Rhythm Paradise Groove on Nintendo Switch 1.

Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Evolution or decline?
As we crawl towards the release date of GTA 6 I find myself asking what some people may think is a silly question: will it be better than GTA 5? Obviously, the graphics will be better and I’m sure there’ll be more things to do and a bigger open world and all that, but none of those things make one game better than another.

The things I like best about GTA 5 are the characters and dialogue, the design of the open world, and individual missions. And with so many people leaving and joining Rockstar in the more than a decade since GTA 5 there’s no guarantee any of those things will be as good in the new game.

I’m particularly worried about the dialogue, because both the main writers have left and that’s got to have a big effect on how the game comes out. There’s very little dialogue in the two trailers so far, so it’s very hard to tell whether it’s any good or not.

There’s also the stuff like the driving and combat, which has never been great in GTA and often has strange control systems. That could be improved or it could go the other way. Thinking about it, I’d hate to work on the game because there’s just so much that could go wrong, I wouldn’t want to be making these decisions.
Purple Ranger

Portable market
Just saw some stats for Switch 2 sales in Japan and apparently it’s almost caught up with the PlayStation 5 already, at 5 million consoles to 7.5 million. It’ll easily pass it this year and that blows my mind considering Sony had an almost five year head start.

I don’t think the reasons are very hard to work out: the PlayStation 5 is much more expensive (the Switch 2 is cheaper in Japan than here) and it’s not portable but it’s still a really bad number. It makes me think that the PlayStation 6 portable is something that Sony wants specifically for Japan and they don’t necessarily care how well it does in the West. The rumours about it certainly make more sense to me now, seeing how bad the PlayStation 5 is doing.
Onibee

State of Sony
The Witcher 3 DLC and the Assassin’s Creed 4 remake are all well and good but that means another State of Play with little or no first party Sony games. The last one was good but that barely had any either. We do at least have a few on the docket at the moment – Saros, Marvel’s Wolverine, and Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet – but it’s still not much and definitely not enough to make it clear that Sony has done some big U-turn on their previous policy. It’s just slightly better than the last couple of years.

If the God Of War spin-off is announced in the summer that will probably be it and I just don’t know how excited I am at playing as Kratos’ wife, who we saw for five minutes tops in the last game. I’ve seen people suggest that Sony are holding most things back for the PlayStation 6 but man, what a wasted generation this was.
Cuit

Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Classic sequel
Just a heads up to say the Broken Sword Smoking Mirror: Reforged Kickstarter has gone live, where you can pre-order a digital or physical collector’s edition of the remake of the second Broken Sword game.

I don’t know where they go after this game for remakes, as although the other Broken Sword games are very good, in my opinion, they are not classed as classics as Broken Sword 1 and 2 are. I’ve just backed for my physical edition and my name in the credits!
Andrew J.
PS: I noticed the date has possibly slipped for the Pragmata amiibo. Originally, I think it may have been due out on 17th April 2026, at the same time as the game, but it seems to have recently slipped to June 11th 2026. I presume the game is not delayed and it is just a manufacturing delay with the amiibo.

GC: The game’s not delayed.

Time travel movie
So just got back from watching Mario and I have to say I really enjoyed it. We watched it in 4D and I really think that added a lot to it. Watched a few movies that way, including the last Mario film, but this time felt extra good.

The seats never stopped moving and the vibration, air blasts, and water sprays really made it for me, the 3D effects were pretty good too. Maybe I wouldn’t enjoy it as much watching at home but overall a great experience. And made me want to dust off my neglected Switch 2 for some Mario Kart.
P B

Strategy wizard
As the Spectrum is getting Inbox attention, I feel compelled to mention what, to me, are two of its’ best games; Chaos: The Battle Of Wizards and Rebelstar, both by Julian Gollop. Chaos was up to eight-players on a single screen, with wizards given random spells to deploy creatures that could be real or illusory and is still a blast today. Top tip: always cast Disbelieve if a player manifests a dragon.

Rebelstar was Gollop honing the turn-based, limited action point strategy game that would later become XCOM. It’s one of the best value games ever, as it released on the budget Firebird label for £1.99, which wasn’t a great deal of money 40 years ago in 1986. Highly addictive for 1 or 2 players and very innovative.

Chock full of features, such as opportunity fire, diverse reloadable weapons, complex inventory management, healing items and melee weapons, as well as the ranged combat. Like XCOM, you also cared about your troops, and should Rita Rumpo be killed the turn after using AP on a reckless missed shot, that left them insufficient points to get back to cover, you were gutted.

What Gollop wrung out of the 48K Spectrum was mind-blowing. A tired Raider could even pick up a coffee token and get a brew from the moonbase vending machine or equip a lawnmower and mow the garden area if fed up of blasting robots.
Reg Smythe

Press ZR to pay respects
Can’t say I’m particularly interested in Rhythm Paradise Groove but I’ll salute it anyway as Nintendo’s last first party game on the original Switch. An amazing console and I think it’s definitely going to be regarded as one of the best ever the more distance we get from it.

The Switch 2 has got a lot to live up to in terms of its legacy, and I don’t think anyone would try and argue its first year has been as good as the Switch 1’s. It’s not been terrible, but it looks worse compared to what’s come before. Personally, I think it’s been a mistake not to have a proper Nintendo Direct before now.
Coolsbane

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Wrong impressions
Old Man Yells at Cloud incoming…

Reading your Samson review and it’s making me think that the preview sessions game journalists go to are just a big scam, or the write-ups that follow them are (not you, I genuinely believe you’re one of the good guys).

I read multiple previews of Samson gushing about how promising and exciting it was. How on earth can we believe any of that with how the reviews have panned out. I don’t think subjectivity can even be argued in this case, it’s being slammed across the board.

Same with Crimson Desert. Most of the previews I read failed to mention how truly atrocious the controls and writing, etc. were, and some of these people had hours of hands-on time. It’s disingenuous and sells people on an experience without the full facts.

It makes me enjoy your content even more, and I’d add GameRanx on YouTube to this too.
RJ

GC: Thanks. Previews are always difficult to judge, since you always have to bear in mind the game isn’t finished yet. We didn’t do previews for Samson or Crimson Desert, though, so we can’t comment on that. However, in our Resident Evil Requiem review, we did point out that our preview of it was based on the absolute best parts of the game – although, of course, we didn’t know that at the time. Not that the end result wasn’t still excellent, but what we played wasn’t an entirely fair representation of the final game.

Inbox also-rans
When I see a quote about GTA 6 making players millionaires I just want to roll my eyes but the worst thing is it’s probably true, if it’s anything like Roblox. I just hate to think of the kinds of games and modes they’re going to be making with it.
Hoover

I was going to ask if Samson is coming to consoles, but then I read the whole review and, you know, it’s fine. Keep it on PC.
Spatz

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The small print
New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.

You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.

You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

MORE: Games Inbox: What is your favourite retro video game format?

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MORE: Games Inbox: What was the best ZX Spectrum game?

A broken-down train has brought disruption to services in Bolton and Blackburn today (April 9).

Services between Bolton and Blackburn are disrupted in both directions due to a broken down train. Delays and diversions are expected until 3.30pm.

A spokesman for Northern said: “We’ve got a broken down train between Bolton and Blackburn.

“Train services running through these stations may be delayed.”

Affected stations include Ramsgreave & Wilpshire, Bromley Cross, Hall I’ Th’ Wood, Salford Crescent, Salford Central, Manchester Victoria and Mills Hill.

Northern has lifted ticket restrictions in the affected areas, allowing passengers to use any available Northern service to their destination during the disruption.

The rail operator requested replacement road transport between Bolton and Blackburn, with passengers advised that journey times could be extended by up to 60 minutes.

Passengers have been directed to www.nationalrail.co.uk for real-time updates and to re-plan their journeys.

Northern also reminded passengers that those delayed by 15 minutes or more can claim compensation by visiting www.northernrailway.co.uk/delayrepay.

The Floral Print Lace Detail Smock Dress has shoppers raving about its floaty fit and pretty design

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Shoppers at Roman are singing the praises of a ‘floaty’ dress that is “perfect for a summer holiday”. The Floral Print Lace Detail Smock Dress typically costs £42, but has been reduced to £37.80 using the code FRESH.

The Floral Print Lace Detail Smock Dress is made from 100% cotton, boasting a soft fabric and a floaty silhouette that skims over lumps, bumps and bloated tummies. It’s sleeveless with a flattering v-neckline that pairs well with any jewellery.

Despite the lace detailing on the garment, the Floral Print Lace Detail Smock Dress is still fully machine washable. The floral pattern is a great option for the warmer months, and we reckon it would look fantastic paired with a denim jacket, even during spring.

For those wanting a bit more coverage on the arms, M&S has the Floral V-Neck Mini Relaxed Smock Dress available for £46. The green dress is offered in three different lengths, accommodating a broader range of heights.

White Stuff is also selling the Lola Jersey Dress, marked down to £24 from £59, falling to an even better £21.60 at checkout courtesy of an automatic discount on sale items, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The Roman dress has racked up an impressive average score of 4.9 out of 5. One shopper commented: “Bought this dress for sunny days. I like the pattern. It has plenty of room and it’s not tight – very floaty. Lace detail on the shoulders dress has tiered effect.”

A petite customer commended the length, remarking: “Beautiful fit and perfect for a summer holiday. The length is just right for me 5’2″ and love the material.”

The fabric is said to be kind to the skin. One reviewer notes: “Such a pretty dress and so flattering. Fabric is a lovely soft floaty cotton.”

However, one buyer pointed out that the dress’s weave is ‘loose’, stating: “Loving it! The fabric is quite a loose weave but a very cool and comfortable dress for summer.”

Overall, shoppers seem overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the Roman dress, with another adding: “Lovely fabric and such a pretty summer dress. Team with heels, flip flops or plimsolls.”

A new reality is setting in for travelers worldwide: rising fares and fees, fewer flight options and difficult decisions about whether a trip is worth the cost.

The culprit is volatile oil and jet fuel prices, which have spiked sharply since the war in the Middle East began and fighting near the Strait of Hormuz created a chokepoint for global oil supplies.

“Volatility is the real story here,” said Shye Gilad, a former airline captain who now teaches at Georgetown University’s business school. “Right now, the airlines are trying to make bets on what they think will happen in the future.”

Airlines are responding cautiously, trimming schedules and adjusting prices in ways that experts say will ripple unevenly across the market but ultimately affect nearly every type of traveler.

Budget airlines and the customers who rely on them are likely to feel the pinch first and most acutely, experts say, but even travelers in premium cabins won’t escape the higher prices and less convenient schedules.

Oil prices have swung wildly in recent weeks, briefly topping $119 a barrel at one point, plunging Wednesday below $95 on news of a two-week ceasefire that temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz, and then climbing back toward $100 on Thursday as uncertainty over the fragile deal grew. Iran again closed the key artery for global oil shipments in response to Israeli strikes Wednesday in Lebanon.

“When prices move quickly in both directions, it’s very hard for airlines to make predictions,” Gilad said.

In other words, even when oil prices drop, travelers may not see relief right away.

“At this level of fuel, it’s hard to call anything temporary,” Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian told reporters this week after the Atlanta-based carrier raised its checked baggage fees.

Global squeeze, local effects

Bastian said Wednesday as Delta kicked off the earnings season for U.S. airlines that the higher fuel prices are expected to add $2 billion in operating expenses in the second quarter alone. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said in a recent memo to staff that if fuel prices stay elevated, it could add $11 billion in annual costs.

“For perspective,” Kirby wrote, “in United’s best year ever, we made less than $5B.”

According to the International Air Transport Association, the average global jet fuel price rose to $209 per barrel last week, up from roughly $99 at the end of February when the war started. Travelers from the U.S. to Hong Kong and New Delhi are paying the price.

U.S. carriers are embedding the higher operating costs into ticket prices and add-on fees. Delta, United, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and JetBlue have all increased checked baggage fees.

Both United and American are also moving beyond add-ons to adjust pricing. United said last week it is bringing the “pay for what you want” approach already standard in economy to its premium cabins, turning perks like advanced seat selection and fully refundable tickets into optional extras.

American announced Thursday that passengers in basic economy will have to pay extra to pick their seat beginning May 18, including elite-tier loyalty members. And later this year, basic economy passengers without elite status or an eligible co-branded credit card will be assigned to boarding Group 7, while those with higher status will still board earlier even when purchasing the lowest fare.

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific recently bumped fuel surcharges by roughly 34% across all routes, while Air India on Monday added up to $280 in fees to some flights. Emirates, Lufthansa and KLM have also adjusted fees or fares to keep pace with the price volatility.

Experts say flexibility and careful planning can help offset these costs. Fare-tracking sites can alert travelers to price changes and help them compare multiple options in one place. Booking early and checking nearby airports can lock in better prices, while refundable tickets make it easier to cancel and rebook if fares drop. Traveling light with just a carry-on can also help avoid the rising bag fees.

Flight cuts to cut costs

For business travelers, the costs are already shaping their decisions. Bill Moorehouse, a solutions director who flies for work every four to six weeks, said the uncertainty may keep him closer to home for now.

“When you have business trips and you have a carefully coordinated schedule, you don’t want unknowns and disruptions. And right now, it just feels like it’s more likely that things could go wrong and throw your trip off course,” the Cupertino, California, resident said.

Richard Groberg, an investment banker from Las Vegas who visits clients around the U.S., said he plans to book as early as possible to lock in the best fares.

“There’s sometimes no substitute for in-person meetings and building relationships,” he said. “As travel becomes more expensive, that becomes a tougher decision to make those investments.”

Even family visits are on his mind. Groberg’s brother hopes he’ll stop in Vermont next time he’s in New York for work, but Groberg admits, “I start thinking maybe I should drive instead because this is getting so expensive.”

Airlines, meanwhile, are also adjusting how much they fly.

BNP Paribas estimates that global schedules for April have been cut roughly 5% compared with earlier plans. Most reductions are in the Middle East, the global investment bank said, though smaller cuts were also emerging in Europe, Asia and North America.

United Airlines is cutting about 5% of its planned flights in the near term, trimming less profitable routes and suspending some international service temporarily rather than “burning cash” on trips that can’t absorb the more expensive fuel costs. The airline’s CEO said the cuts will target redeye flights and routes on historically slower travel days such as Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Delta is scrapping plans to add more flights and seats in June, leaving about 3.5% fewer seats than originally planned.

Travel plans upended

These moves show why major carriers are better positioned to weather the spike in fuel prices than budget carriers, whose “no frills” model leaves them with less flexibility. Bigger airlines can lean on dynamic pricing, sell more seats at higher fares or swap in larger planes on certain routes, letting them cut flights without losing overall capacity.

“Leisure travelers and budget conscious travelers are going to absolutely feel it first because it may make the difference between going and not going,” Gilad said.

It’s already made the difference for Anna Del Vecchio. The 36-year-old Seattle resident has made it an annual springtime tradition to visit family in Philadelphia before flying to Paris to see friends she’s known since she was a teenager.

Her credit card points typically cover the roundtrip flight, but ticket prices now hover around $1,400 — about double what she has paid in past years.

“It wasn’t even scratching the surface for the flight this time,” she said, “so I decided to delay the trip.”

But if airfare tops $1,500, she might not be able to make a journey she hasn’t missed in years.

“It might be the kind of thing where it just ends up being that I have to travel less.”

Workers accessing their private pensions could face bills far steeper than anticipated, as HMRC warns schemes claiming to release funds early or tax-efficiently may leave them liable for 100% of tax due plus interest and penalties

Workers accessing their private pension pots are being warned they could end up facing bills far higher than expected.

In a stark warning, HMRC urged people to “check before you dip” into their savings, alerting them that arrangements promising to increase take-home pay could leave them liable for 100% of the tax due – plus interest and penalties. The crackdown follows growing concerns that contractors and agency workers are being targeted by complex pay structures, often routed through umbrella companies, which can obscure how income is taxed.

Hidden dangers that could cost you thousands

HMRC stated that tax avoidance schemes frequently depend on “artificial transactions that serve no real purpose” beyond reducing tax bills on paper. However, the consequences can prove far more costly, reports the Mirror.

Anyone caught up in such schemes remains legally responsible for paying the full tax owed – meaning they could face:

• 100 percent% of unpaid tax
• Interest charges on top
• Potential financial penalties
• Fees already paid to scheme promoters

Officials warned this creates a double blow, where workers not only lose money to the scheme itself but are then pursued for the entire tax bill.

Simple checks could protect you

HMRC said one of the most telling warning signs is when workers receive more money in their bank account than shown on their payslip – a red flag that tax may not have been properly deducted.

Other warning signs include:

• Payments labelled as loans or capital advances
• Pay structures that appear overly complex or unclear
• Umbrella company arrangements that promise unusually high take-home pay

The tax authority stressed that for legitimate wages, 100 percent of net pay should correspond with what appears on your payslip.

Pension access under examination

The caution is aimed particularly at those accessing private pension savings, where certain schemes purport to release funds ahead of time or in a tax-efficient manner.

HMRC’s stance is clear: if it appears too good to be true, it most likely is — and could result in a significantly larger financial burden further down the road.

Real-life examples highlight the risk

HMRC cited a number of cases in which workers were left out of pocket:

• A nurse spotted untaxed income entering her account and subsequently faced a tax demand
• A single parent was encouraged into a scheme that left her with a substantial unexpected bill
• An IT contractor using an umbrella company ended up unknowingly enrolled in avoidance arrangements

In each case, individuals remained liable for the full amount of tax owed, despite having relied on third-party advice.

HMRC urged anyone who believes they may be caught up in such a scheme to come forward without delay, cautioning that the longer one waits, the greater the financial consequences. It said: “The longer you leave it the bigger the tax bill.”

Support is on hand, including the possibility of staggered payment arrangements for those unable to settle the full sum at once. Workers encouraged to remain alert

With umbrella company arrangements widely used among contractors, HMRC emphasised that having a clear understanding of how you are being paid is essential to avoiding difficulties.

Officials pointed out that suspicious schemes can be reported by anybody — even anonymously — as part of a broader crackdown on those promoting such arrangements. Further details can be found here.

A probe was launched by the Air Accident Investigations Branch after the flight from Venice to Manchester diverted to London Stansted due to fuel leaking from the engine

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A plane destined for Manchester was forced to make an emergency diversion before running out of fuel as gallons leaked from the engine due to a mid-flight malfunction.

The Air Accident Investigations Branch initiated an inquiry into the incident following the Ryanair flight on April 25 last year. The report, released today (April 9), stated that the flight from Venice to Manchester had to be rerouted to London Stansted around 1pm.

This was due to a fuel leak, which also heightened the risk of a fire upon landing the aircraft. Fire crews surrounded the plane on the runway and discovered a leak from the right engine.

The journey had to be abruptly diverted to London amid concerns about fuel leaking from the main tank.

The AAIB investigation found that the pilots aboard the Boeing 737 Max were slow to recognise the potential for a fuel leak, and also increased the likelihood of a fire by using thrust reversers to decelerate the plane during landing and not turning off the right engine.

Investigators concluded that this would have scattered spilt fuel around hot parts of the engine, further increasing the risk of a fire breaking out, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The Ryanair flight was initially delayed by an hour due to a failure in the company’s computer system. The report revealed that it was during this delay that the pilots noticed an imbalance had developed between the main fuel tanks, prompting them to carry out a fuel balancing procedure.

Upon reaching a cruising altitude of 38,000 feet, the commander observed the fuel imbalance reoccurring, continuing to cross-feed fuel into the affected right engine. Approximately 20 minutes later, the pilots noted that the right fuel tank was again low, with an imbalance of around 100kg every 10 minutes – suggesting a fuel leak.

The flight, carrying 191 passengers, was subsequently diverted to Stansted Airport. The report found that the pilots chose not to shut off the affected engine due to favourable weather conditions and the diversion being approximately 20 minutes away.

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The pilots successfully landed the plane without any injuries or damage to the aircraft. The AAIB later discovered in their report that if the emergency procedure had been followed continuously, it would have advised them to shut off the engine to avoid the risk of a fire.

The report stated: “In completing fuel balancing from memory, the pilots did not consider the possibility of a fuel leak, delaying diagnosis of the problem. Once the leak was confirmed, they decided not to fully complete the non-normal checklist, which directed them to shut down the affected engine.

“The subsequent use of thrust reverse on landing increased the potential risk of fire due to disbursement of fuel vapour around hot parts of the engine.”

Ryanair has confirmed that it ‘fully participated’ in the investigation and stated that the report did not suggest any safety recommendations for the airline, according to a statement provided to MyLondon.

The New York City man has been charged after allegedly setting fire to a residential building last month in a fit of rage over losing his job, prosecutors said

A man has been charged after four people – including a three-year-old boy – lost their lives in a house fire last month.

The New York City man has been charged after allegedly setting fire to a residential building last month in a fit of rage over losing his job, prosecutors said.

Residents had jumped from the burning home in Queens, New York City, after the fire took hold on Monday afternoon. Officials said the three-year-old boy was found dead in the property. He and three adults, two of whom are believed to be his parents, also lost their lives.

The choice of building was random, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, who called the deadly fire “one of the greatest crimes that this borough has seen in a very long time.”

Prosecutors said Roman Amatitla, 38, was seen entering and leaving the building multiple times on March 16. After buying a box of matches and stealing a beer from a nearby gas station, he returned to the building, lit a piece of paper on fire and placed it on a pile of garbage in the stairwell — then watched the flames spread while drinking a beer outside, according to the criminal complaint.

His attorney did not respond to a request for comment.

The blaze killed Sihan Yang, who was 3, 49-year-old Chengri Cui, 61-year-old Shin Chie and a fourth occupant, 64-year-old Hong Zhao, died after leaping from a window to escape the flames.

Four others were treated for injuries, some severe, after jumping from the building. Two firefighters were hurt after a staircase collapsed.

Amatitla, also a Queens resident, later told investigators that he knew the building was occupied and that people would be harmed, but said he needed to “get out his rage” after being fired from his job, according to the criminal complaint. He said the job was unrelated to the building or anyone who lived there, the complaint said.

Amatitla was charged with eight counts of murder in the second degree, arson and other charges. He faces 25 years to life if convicted.

Paris also reflected on 16-year-old daughter Venezuela getting engaged, and said: “There’s a part of me that is a little bit sad that it’s all happened so soon, because I still feel like I’m so young, and I feel like my kids… imagine my brain, they’re all babies and they’re all at home.

I’m A Celebrity… South Africa viewers saw tensions rise as the two camps finally joined together.

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Tensions were at an all-time high during the latest episode of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa.

On Thursday night (April 9), ITV fans saw the two camps finally reunite as Gemma Collins, Adam Thomas, Seann Walsh, Beverley Callard left Savannah Scrub.

However, as they were joined with the other celebrities, Sinitta wasted no time in letting her feelings known to Gemma.

She said: “What happened with Chicago? You were supposed to follow me as Mama Morton in Chicago, it was announced and everything.”

Gemma explained that she had a ‘terrible’ injury, telling Sinitta is was something to do with the insurance. However, Sinitta confessed that when it was announced Gemma was joining the cast, they thought it was a joke.

Unimpressed, Gemma added: “Not a joke, Sinitta, I auditioned for it and got it fair and square. Did all the training and everything. Had the voice coach.”

Sinitta continued: “I’m sorry, but I’m going to admit it, that when I heard, I thought it was a joke announcement, I was like, ‘Yeah right’.

Clearly unimpressed, Gemma asked why she thought that it wouldn’t be real, as Sinitta highlighted her fall while presenting at an awards show, stating she felt more like a comedian.

Meanwhile, some of the other campmates watched on awkwardly as Scarlett Moffatt hid in her hammock, mouthing to Seann Walsh, ‘What is happening?’

Comparing her to Zsa Zsa Gabor, Sinitta added: “Very camp, very glamorous. But I thought you were that girl. Like, you don’t really do anything, you make a great entrance, and you make everybody laugh. But, I didn’t know you could actually sing, dance and all of that, and all that jazz.”

Biting back, Gemma said: “I don’t think you’d get casted as Mama Morton in Chicago if you didn’t pass the audition.”

In the Bush Telegraph, Gemma explained she was taken aback by Sinitta’s comments, stating she’s not a joke.

It wasn’t long before people watching took to X to share their thoughts on what happened, with many unimpressed by Sinitta’s comments.

One person said: “How rude of sinitta!” Another commented: “Sinitta to go as well.”

Someone else wrote: “Get Sinitta and David Haye OUT.” While one viewer added: “I think Sinitta feels a bit threatened by the possibility of loss of screen time since Gemma Collins joined main camp.”

Another fan commented: “Sinitta thinking she better than Gemma.” While someone else wrote: “Sinitta calling the GC a joke?? Like really??”

I’m A Celebrity…South Africa airs weekdays at 9pm on ITV, ITVX, STV and STV Player.